Vol. V No. 52
DECEMBER 29, 2021
Westchester Lions Club awards Peace Poster Contest winners, PAGE 7
vfpress.news
Cook County mandates vax proof
Westchester Village President Frank Perry with his wife, Peggy Cesarini Perry, during Westchester Fest in August. Perry, a popular businessman before going into politics, was still in his first term as village president when he died earlier this month.
As COVID-19 cases increase, the county will require suburban residents to show proof they’re vaccinated to enter most indoor facilities starting Jan. 3
File
By ANDY VIANO
Frank Perry, beloved Westchester village president and businessman, dies at 50
Forest Park Review
Beginning Jan. 3, anyone age 5 and older looking to dine, drink, work out or gather indoors in large groups in suburban Cook County must first show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, per a new order issued by the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) on Thursday, Dec. 23. The order goes into effect the same day as a nearly identical order covering the city of Chicago. Four suburban Cook County townships with their own health departments — including Oak Park — are not impacted by the CCDPH order. Oak Park, however, indicated the previous Wednesday that it was likely to follow suit if the CCDPH took this action. The new order comes amid a dramatic increase in newly detected COVID-19 cases See MANDATE on page 9
This year’s memorable photos, PAGE 8
Community members across Proviso Township mourned Perry, who was elected village president in April By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
Westchester Village President Frank Perry, who was elected to his first term in that office in April, died on Dec. 22. Perry’s death was confirmed by Westchester
village officials in a statement posted last week to the village’s Facebook page. Perry was 50 years old. “It is with a heavy heart that the Village of Westchester has lost a member of its family,” the statement read. “President Frank Perry has lost his short battle with cancer and passed away peacefully this morning with his family by his side. “The family asks that you respect their privacy at this time. There will be more information as it becomes available. Please know that all Village operations will continue to operate as usual. President Perry
WE’RE YOUR FINANCIAL PARTNER BECAUSE
loved this community and made sure that a solid team was put in place that handles all of the day to day operations of the Village. “On behalf of the rest of the Board and employees of the Village, we thank you and are committed to carrying on President Perry’s many initiatives that we have begun. God bless you all and please direct any questions to Paul Nosek, Village Manager at pnosek@westchester-il.org.” On Dec. 22, many Proviso area elected officials and community members offered their condolences and the Westchester See PERRY on page 6
MEET US
YOU SHOULD KNOW YOUR BANKER. Jose Villa
Vice President & Branch Manager 708-483-0030 | jvilla@hinsdalebank.com Proviso Community Bank is a branch of Hinsdale Bank & Trust Company, N.A.
1759 N. Mannheim Rd., Stone Park | 1111 Madison St., Maywood 708-483-0030 | www.provisobank.com